Seasonal variation of coastal jets in the Persian Gulf using field studies

Coastal jets and fronts are formed by the pressure gradients. The dynamics of such motions is non-linear and non-quasi-geostrophic. The Froude and Rossby numbers are on the order of unity, implying that the effects of stratification and rotation are equally important within the coastal jet. In this paper, the equations of motion for the coastal jets, initial and boundary conditions, and approximations are introduced. Then, the coastal jets in the Persian Gulf are discussed based on mathematical models and measurements. The transfer of water masses to the coastal regions of Iran and Saudi Arabia due to geostrophic equilibrium and northwest winds appear two strong jets adjacent to these regions. The surface flow in the northern half of the Persian Gulf is towards the southeast with a return flow towards the northwest at the bottom except on the Saudi side, where the strong coastal jet continues through the whole water column. The coastal jet flow near the coast of Iran is limited to the surface, but the coastal jet near the coast of Saudi Arabia exists in the whole water column from surface to bottom. The average velocity of such coastal jets is 8-10 cm/s with a southeast direction.